Executive Board Transitions to Acting Moderator

The Executive Board of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC) announces the transition from Moderator Harold Froese to Acting Moderator Bruce Enns.

The Executive Board regretfully accepted Harold’s resignation, effective September 12, 2016. At the request of the Executive Board, the current Assistant Moderator, Bruce Enns, has agreed to assume the role of Acting Moderator. This decision follows the process outlined in the CCMBC Executive Board governance manual.

Harold began serving on the Executive Board in 2011 and he assumed the role of Moderator in 2014. We deeply appreciate the wisdom and leadership that he provided to the Executive Board, as well as the Finance, and Audit Review Committees. Harold assumed the role of Moderator during the time that CCMBC was without a Director of Finance and was facing some major financial decisions, including the decision to form the Legacy Fund. He helped lead the conference through these decisions with expertise and integrity.

Harold submitted his resignation for personal reasons related to governance and operational issues between CCMBC senior staff and Board leadership. Harold states, “I continue to be very excited about the ministry opportunities God has before us. Thank you again for the privilege of serving with you. My faith has grown as we have discerned God’s leading together and, I thank you all.”

Harold will remain as an active member of the Legacy Fund first Directors Board, continuing to give direction and stability to our financial future. Bruce Enns states, “We are so thankful for Harold’s significant contribution to our conference, and for having his ongoing wisdom and input in the Legacy Fund”.

The Executive Board held a special meeting on September 13th to pray and discern a plan moving forward, and will continue to keep its constituents informed as well as continuing to build stronger and more accountable relationships with CCMBC staff and constituency. The Board, together with our staff, remains committed to our mission of multiplying Christ-centered churches to see Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ. Your prayers towards that end are deeply appreciated.

If there was a disagreement between senior staff and Board Leadership, it should have been the senior staff that resigned not the CCMBC Conference Moderator! Something is amiss, and I’ll be waiting for a clearer explanation from Executive Board including greater disclosure about the Conference finances.

In light of the replies by John Unger, Kurt Sawatzky, and Janessa Giesbrecht, I too am curious about the circumstances of Harold’s resignation. Prior to his resignation, did the board follow processes outlined in the GP 1-11 Conflict Resolution section? The process is to be “fair and transparent”. As Kurt has suggested, something is amiss. I look forward to seeing the transparency in this matter.
Harold will indeed be missed. Well done, good and faithful servant.